Description of Historic Place

The Velvet Block is located on the southwest corner of the intersection of Columbia Avenue and St. Paul Street in Rossland, British Columbia. It is a substantial, two storey, flat-roofed building of wooden construction that marks the entrance to Rossland's downtown core on Highway 3B. It is located on a sloping lot and the back of the building is fully three storeys high. A business premise is located in the basement area, accessed by a door on south side of the building. A variety of businesses are located in this building, accessed by three separate entrances on Columbia Avenue.

Heritage Value

This building was constructed in the "boom" years of Rossland's early development, between 1896 to 1897, and is one of the five remaining buildings in this block of the downtown area that date back to this significant time in the city's development. It is a visual reminder of the type, style and construction of many of the commercial buildings erected in Rossland prior to 1900.

The Velvet Block is a landmark, with a significant footprint and location that has always marked the eastern edge of Rossland's downtown core.

SOURCE: City of Rossland - Heritage Commission

Character-Defining Elements

- Building on its footprint in its original location
- Plaque on Columbia Avenue façade identifying this building as one of Rossland’s significant heritage buildings